VehicleVerdict

1997 Caterpillar 3116 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 1997 Caterpillar 3116 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other 3116 years?

3116 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted1 complaints1988: 0 complaints1989: 0 complaints1990: 0 complaints1996: 0 complaints1997: 0 complaints1998: 0 complaints
3116 NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 3116 years to avoid →

Does the 1997 Caterpillar 3116 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

99E021000EngineJune 23, 1999 · 33,700 units

Defect

EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION: MECHANICALLY UNIT INJECTED DIESEL ENGINES. THE GOVERNOR OF THE ENGINE CONTROLS THE UNIT INJECTOR FUELING BY WAY OF A CONTROL ASSEMBLY. IN THIS ASSEMBLY, A LINK TO THE GOVERNOR IS JOINED TO THE CONTROL ROD USING A RIVET. THIS RIVET CAN LOOSEN AND THEN WEAR RESULTING IN ENGINE SPEED INSTABILITY.

Consequence

IF NOT IDENTIFIED AND CORRECTED, ENGINE SPEED CONTROL COULD BE LOST DUE TO RIVET DISENGAGEMENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CONTROL ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED IF NECESSARY.

1997 Caterpillar 3116 — common questions

Is the 1997 Caterpillar 3116 reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 1997 Caterpillar 3116 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1997 Caterpillar 3116. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.